Canarian President Calls for Housing Restrictions for Non-Residents

Government Acknowledges Housing Issues

The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has highlighted that the Spanish government “now” acknowledges the need to limit property purchases by non-resident citizens in the outermost regions of the European Union. In response to a query from MP Raúl Acosta of the Mixed Group, Clavijo stated in a session of the regional Parliament that the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, has announced the first-ever conference on housing in EU history. This reflects the European Union’s concern regarding the housing shortage, a challenge predominantly affecting young people, Clavijo indicated.

Strategies for Housing Development

Clavijo reiterated that the Government of the Canary Islands is implementing a strategy to increase housing supply, encouraging private sector collaboration and the modification of local government laws. This adjustment would enable municipalities to establish criteria regarding property purchases. Acosta, from the Agrupación Herreña Independiente (AHI), pointed out that Santa Cruz de Tenerife ranks as the second Spanish province for property purchases by non-residents, while Las Palmas comes fifth. He added that this situation is leading to the displacement of Canarians from their homeland.